The 8 Best Laundry Bags for Delicates of 2023
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Say goodbye to snags and rumpled items
The Spruce / Kristin Kempa
It’s a popular misconception that you can simply toss all of your dirty duds into the wash on laundry day. Using laundry bags for delicates is a great way to prolong the life of your garments. “Typically, you want to wash delicates in a separate load from other items, particularly heavier items, like towels or denim, to prevent abrasion and damage to finer fabrics,” says Jennifer Ahoni, P&G Fabric Care Principal Scientist.
To help you treat your own clothes with the TLC they deserve, we researched dozens of laundry bags for delicates, evaluating important attributes like material, design, and usability, as well as overall value. We’ve rounded up the best delicate laundry bags to suit all types of clothing, including items as large as delicate sweaters.
Best Overall: Grove Co. Laundry Delicates Bag Set
What We Like
High-quality zippers
Durable mesh construction
Includes two sizes
What We Don’t Like
Zipper seams are prone to wear and tear
Not all of your delicates will fit in the same laundry bag, so we love that this set includes two sizes: medium and large. The smaller bag is ideal for, well, smaller items like underwear and socks; the larger bag is perfect for bras and can even fit items like shapewear and sweaters.
These mesh laundry bags are exceptionally easy to use and made of durable materials that will last through hot and cold washes. The zippers are high-quality and glide open and closed without effort, while still keeping your delicates inside during the washing cycle. Keep in mind, the seams around the zipper are prone to wear and tear after many washes, which is slightly disappointing given the higher price point. However, the mesh is also wide, which allows plenty of detergent and water to flow through, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
Lastly, we love that these bags are manufactured by a Certified B Corporation, a distinction that certifies the company engages in above-average social and environmental practices.
Price at time of publish: $15
Dimensions: 16 x 18.25 inches (large); 11.5 x 14.5 inches (medium) | Material: Polyester | Dryer Safe: Yes
Best Budget: Simple Houseware Mesh Wash Bag Set
What We Like
Rust-proof zippers
Includes five bags
Generous sizing
What We Don’t Like
Mesh may be too fine
If you feel like you’re always running your washing machine, you might not want to spend a ton of money on a variety of laundry bags. This set offers a fantastic overall value at under $15, and you get a total of five mesh bags: three medium and two large.
The bags are all constructed with rust-proof, zippered seams for security. You can wash everything from underwear and hosiery to bras and sweaters without worry that they’ll be damaged by other items in the washing machine. The one downside of this set is the fine mesh body of the bags. While it offers a lot of protection for your garments, it may not allow larger particles or dirt to flow out of the bag during the cycle.
Price at time of publish: $10
Dimensions: 16 x 19 inches (large); 12 x 15 inches (medium) | Material: Polyester | Dryer Safe: Yes
Best Splurge: Ondo Premium Mesh Laundry Bag
What We Like
Extra cushioned for increased protection
Honeycomb mesh
Available in three sizes
What We Don’t Like
Not as easy to pack or store
If you’re willing to spend a little bit more to ensure your delicates get the most protection possible, you’ll love the Ondo Premium Mesh Laundry Bag. While they are undoubtedly one of the more expensive choices, starting at $8 for one small bag, they are constructed of a premium honeycomb mesh that’s made from recycled polyester.
The mesh is ultra-durable and just the right size to protect clothes while allowing the free flow of water and soap for a thorough cleaning. These bags also have a unique shape that comes from boning—the more rigid structure further protects clothes from potential damage. This design does make the bags a little harder to fold up and store or pack.
These mesh bags come in your choice of three sizes: small, medium, and large. Or, you can choose the three-piece set, which includes one of each size—excellent for versatility.
Price at time of publish: $8
Dimensions: 7.1 x 12.6 x 10.2 inches | Material: Recycled polyester | Dryer Safe: No
Best Mesh: Muchfun Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags
What We Like
Secure rust-proof zippers
Strong mesh allows for better cleaning
Set includes three pieces
What We Don’t Like
Material is a bit rough
Though super fine mesh gives laundry bags added durability since it limits surface areas where zippers, buttons, or rough materials can snag, this type of material limits the flow of water, soap, and dirt. The result: Your clothes won’t get as clean as possible.
Instead, look for a medium-mesh, as you see on these laundry bags for delicates from Muchfun. The polyester on these three equally-sized bags is durable, while still having a wide-enough weave to allow detergent and water to penetrate your garments. It also gives dirt and debris room to flow out of the bag and into the water your machine collects and discards, resulting in cleaner clothes all around.
The only potential downside of this style of mesh on these bags is that the material itself is a little bit rough, which may affect the garments inside. However, you can rest knowing your garments will stay secure inside these bags as they also have rust-proof zippers with automatic locks that prevent the bags from opening during wash and dry cycles.
Price at time of publish: $7.99
Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 1 inches | Material: Polyester | Dryer Safe: Yes
Best Rated: Bagail Mesh Laundry Bags
What We Like
Colors make great identifiers
Well-made zippers
Includes seven different sizes
What We Don’t Like
Mesh is on the small side
Reviewers can’t stop raving about this seven-piece laundry bag set which has over 69,000 reviews on Amazon. Praise is mostly centered around value with consumers appreciating that they get seven mesh laundry bags all for under $15.
The size options, which range from large bags suitable for sweaters to small capsules for socks and underwear, are highly versatile. They’re also durable. Reviewers say, despite the price, the zippers glide open and close without effort. Plus, they hold up over the course of many wash cycles.
Reviewers also love the bright colors on the zippers, which help identify the different items in their loads. You could even use the colors as identifiers to help guide other members of the family—only the blue bag goes in the dryer, for example.
However, most users complain about the size of the mesh. While this finer mesh is highly durable, it makes it hard for soap and water to penetrate the garments inside fully. Plus, it makes it difficult for dirt particles to escape during wash cycles. However, this set of seven laundry bags is still a bargain and a highly-reviewed product.
Price at time of publish: $11
Dimensions: Assorted | Material: Polyester | Dryer Safe: Yes
Best for Bras: Nordstrom Large Wash Bag
What We Like
Can accommodate many different types of delicates
Highly durable
Dryer safe
What We Don’t Like
Only comes in a very large size
Bras can be tricky to wash because as far as delicates go, they fall on the larger side. Plus, many have their own hook and eye closures that can snag on other clothing and your laundry bag itself.
This bag is a great choice for wash days since it can accommodate a week’s worth of bras at once. Plus, the mesh is large enough to allow soap and water through, but not so large that your bra’s hardware will get caught in the holes.
Of course, you can also use the bag for other delicates. It’s also well-sized for items like lingerie, swimwear, shapewear, and even face masks. Some reviewers say you can even fit a sweater or sweatshirt inside this bag!
There’s hardly a complaint to be made about this bag. It has a quality zipper and a durable material that users say lasts many years. It’s also dryer-safe, unlike some other options. Unfortunately, it only comes in this larger size, which can be too roomy for smaller items like socks and underwear.
Price at time of publish: $10
Dimensions: 18 x 21 inches | Material: Not listed | Dryer Safe: Yes
Best for Legwear: Woolite Four Compartment Mesh Hosiery Bag
What We Like
Perfectly-sized mesh
Four distinct compartments
Prevents hosiery from tangling with other items
What We Don’t Like
Zipper has a tendency to snag
Of all delicates, hosiery is arguably the most prone to washing disasters. However, the Woolite Four Compartment Mesh Hosiery Bag is a great option for preventing tangled, stretched, or snagged hosiery. This cylindrical bag is separated into four distinct sections for different pairs of tights and stockings. Of course, you could also fill each compartment with a pair of socks or underwear for added versatility. Either way, the unique design allows you to wash more than one item without worry that they’ll rub up against one another causing premature wear.
The mesh is an ideal size—too small for bra hooks to snag, but large enough to allow soap, water, and dirt to flow. It’s worth noting though: Because of the shape of this laundry bag, the zipper tends to snag on the sides if you don’t zip it up carefully. So we recommend taking extra care to check the zippers before throwing this bag in the wash.
Price at time of publish: $9
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches | Material: Nylon | Dryer Safe: Not listed
Best for Shoes: Kimmama Shoes Wash Bags
What We Like
Includes two bags
Larger mesh
Structured bag
What We Don’t Like
Not dryer safe
Whether you’ve ever thought to wash your shoes or not, there are tons of shoe styles, including many sneakers, that are machine-washable. However, because shoes are heavy and have lots of different components—like laces, velcro, or snaps—you’ll want to use a laundry bag to protect them and your machine from damage.
We love this design from Kimmama, because it’s the perfect structured cylindrical shape for shoes. It’s also long enough to accommodate larger sizes, too. What’s more, the mesh is nice and big enough to thoroughly soak the shoe material. While this larger mesh isn't ideal for clothing, it's great for shoes, since shoes tend to shed more dirt and debris during wash cycles. Bigger particles can easily escape the bag and make it into the water to eventually be discarded by the machine.
While we love the structured design of these bags, they aren’t dryer safe. The good news: Most shoes shouldn’t go in the dryer anyway.
Price at time of publish: $17
Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 15 inches | Material: Polypropylene | Dryer Safe: No
Our top pick is the Grove Co. Laundry Delicates Bag Set because it comes with two easy to use zippered bags—one medium and one large—both in a fine mesh for better protection. It’s highly versatile, since you can use it for different types of clothing, including items as small as underwear and as large as delicate sweaters. If you want a bag that’s even more budget friendly, try the Simple Houseware’s mesh laundry bag set, which includes five bags in two different sizes and costs just $10.
What to Look For in Laundry Bags for Delicates
Type
Laundry bags for delicates are typically small zippered mesh bags that allow water and detergent to pass through. (Some bags have drawstring closures, but experts don’t recommend these, since they’re not as secure.) The drawstring could also become tangled with other items in the load or even get tangled in the agitator. Laundry bags come in all different shapes and sizes, but the smaller sizes are most suitable for smaller clothing items like bras, underwear, and even hosiery. Larger sizes are also nice to have on hand since they can fit larger items that still require a gentler approach—think shapewear and even delicate knit sweaters.
Quality of Materials
You should look for mesh laundry bags made out of durable materials like nylon or polyester, says Jennifer Ahoni, P&G Fabric Care Principal Scientist. These materials are generally resistant to shrinking and staining too.
“I would recommend using mesh bags with a zipper to ensure that the bags are fully closed, and garments do not fall out,” she says. “Drawstrings on other types of bags can easily become loose.” You can also find laundry bags that have automatic locking zippers—like our "best mesh" pick, the Muchfun Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags, which do not re-open when the zipper pull is flattened.
Ease of Use
Laundry bags for delicates are generally pretty straightforward: Simply place your garment inside, and be sure to follow individual garment care instructions. That said, zippered options are most convenient. Mesh bags that lay flat also tend to be more functional, since you can easily fold them up for storage between uses.
Travel-Friendly
Most laundry bags for delicates are inherently travel-friendly since they’re small and easy to manipulate. If you prefer not to check a bag, but still want a compact packing option, look for flat bags as opposed to more structured mesh packing cubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a laundry bag for delicates in the dryer?
“Most laundry bags are fine for use in many cycles in both the washer and dryer,” says Ahoni. But like most items you launder, you should always check the care information for your particular delicates bag for guidance on how to use it in both washing machines and dryers.
How long will a laundry bag last?
Because laundry bags are made from durable materials like nylon and polyester, you can expect them to last for quite a while—especially if you follow care guidance as indicated on the label. Depending on the construction and with proper care, your laundry bag can last several years.
Can you use bleach with a delicates laundry bag?
Bleach is a harsh chemical that can cause excess wear to your garments, particularly delicates. For specifics related to both your undergarments and your delicates bag, read the care labels. If this guidance indicates bleach is safe to use, opt for chlorine-free bleach, which isn’t quite as harsh on fabrics as its chlorine-infused alternative.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing for publications like The Spruce, Real Simple, and Good Housekeeping. Earley regularly writes about all kinds of household products, including laundry bags. To curate this list, Earley scoured the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly-rated laundry bags. Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specs and hundreds of reviews. To make her top picks, she consulted experts like Jennifer Ahoni, P&G Fabric Care Principal Scientist, and then used that guidance as she analyzed the design, usability, and overall value of each product.
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